Proposal to Unicode for Updating the Syrian Flag Emoji
1. Identification
- Name: New Syrian Flag Emoji
- Proposed Emoji: 🇸🇾 (to be updated with the new flag design)
- CLDR Short Name: Syria Flag
- Keywords: Syria, flag, Syrian Arab Republic
2. Introduction
The current Syrian flag emoji (🇸🇾) does not reflect the newly adopted national flag of Syria. This proposal requests an update to the existing emoji to match the official flag of Syria, in accordance with Unicode’s commitment to accuracy in national symbols.
3. Justification
A. Compatibility
Unicode ensures that national flags are accurately represented based on internationally recognized country codes. Updating the Syrian flag emoji will maintain consistency with real-world geopolitical changes and keep Unicode’s emoji set up to date.
B. Expected Usage
- High Demand: The Syrian flag emoji is widely used by Syrian citizens, expatriates, government institutions, and international organizations. Updating the flag ensures its proper representation.
- Comparable Precedents: Unicode has previously updated flag emojis in response to changes in national flags, such as the revision of Malawi’s flag in Unicode 6.0.
C. Image Distinctiveness
The new Syrian flag design remains visually distinct and recognizable, ensuring that the emoji update does not create confusion with other flag emojis.
4. Selection Factors Excluded from Consideration
This proposal is for an official country flag update, not a new decorative or symbolic emoji. The flag change is a matter of national representation and follows Unicode’s policy of reflecting updates based on ISO 3166-1 country code standards.
5. Official Documentation
The new Syrian flag, known as the "Independence Flag," features three horizontal stripes in green, white, and black, with three red stars on the white stripe. This design was adopted following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. (ynetnews.com)
The flag has been prominently displayed in official settings, including during international visits by Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa. For instance, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, the new flag was flown alongside Saudi Arabia's flag at the airport. (politico.com)
As of now, the ISO 3166-1 standard lists Syria under the alpha-2 code "SY" and alpha-3 code "SYR." Any updates to the flag design in the ISO standard should be monitored to ensure Unicode's records remain current. (iso.org)
6. Implementation Timeline
If approved, the update will follow Unicode’s official emoji release schedule. Tech companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung should be notified to ensure the change is reflected across platforms.
